Building Motor Planning and Coordination Through Everyday Play in Phnom Penh

Not all therapy happens in a clinic. Sometimes, the most effective occupational therapy moments happen right at the kitchen table—with a few apples and a bit of creativity. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we encourage families to embrace simple, hands-on activities that develop essential skills like motor planning, coordination, and executive functioning through playful interaction.

Whether a child is stacking objects, reaching for balance, or problem-solving with a parent, they are strengthening the same foundational abilities that support success in school, sports, and self-care.

What Is Motor Planning?

Motor planning, or praxis, is the brain’s ability to conceive, organize, and execute a movement. For example, balancing apples into a tower requires:

• Body awareness

• Hand coordination

• Visual-spatial judgment

• Anticipating the next step

When motor planning is weak, children may struggle with writing, dressing, tying shoes, or participating in sports. Occupational therapy targets these challenges using structured and purposeful movement activities.

How Occupational Therapy Uses Everyday Activities

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we blend therapeutic techniques with real-life tasks to make learning fun and functional. Activities like:

• Stacking fruits or blocks

• Pouring, scooping, and transferring items

• Balancing toys or objects

• Mimicking movement sequences

…help develop planning, coordination, and control in a relaxed, pressure-free environment. These are especially helpful for children with dyspraxia, developmental coordination disorder, or sensory-motor difficulties.

The Role of Parent Involvement

Children make faster progress when therapy extends beyond weekly sessions. That’s why we coach parents on how to turn everyday routines—like preparing snacks or cleaning up toys—into opportunities to build motor skills.

Simple activities like stacking fruit or organizing a shelf can become powerful moments of connection and learning. Plus, children are more likely to participate and stay engaged when supported by a familiar and encouraging adult.

Support Your Child’s Growth With Everyday Movement

If your child has difficulty with balance, hand coordination, or learning new physical tasks, motor planning could be the missing link. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help children strengthen coordination and confidence through engaging, purposeful play—both in therapy and at home.

Explore our occupational therapy services to learn how we support movement, independence, and lifelong learning.